The following measures are advisable
for keeping the vulva and vagina
healthy:
- Washing once a day or so with
water but without soap, since soap
disturbs the natural pH balance of
the vagina. Other measures are
seldom necessary or advisable. Two
notable examples: so-called
"feminine hygiene sprays" are
unnecessary, may be generally
harmful, and have been known to
cause severe allergic reactions.
Vaginal douching is generally not
necessary and has been implicated
in helping to cause bacterial
vaginosis (BV) and candidiasis
("yeast infections").
- After using the toilet, wipe
from the front toward the back to
avoid introducing bacteria from the
anal area into the vulva.
- Drink plenty of water and
urinate frequently and as soon as
possible when you feel the need, to
help flush bacteria out of the
urinary tract and avoid urinary
tract infections. For the same
reason, try to urinate before and
after sex.
- Change out of a wet swimsuit or
other wet clothes as soon as
possible.
- Avoid fragrances, colors, and
"deodorants" in products that
contact the vulva/vagina: sanitary
pads, tampons, toilet paper. Some
women who are sensitive to these
substances should also avoid bubble
baths and some fabric detergents
and softeners.
- Avoid wearing leather trousers,
tight jeans, panties made of nylon
or other synthetic fabrics, or
pantyhose without an all-cotton
crotch (not cotton covered by nylon
- cut out the nylon panel if
necessary).
- Anything which has been in
contact with the anal area should
be thoroughly washed with soap and
water or a similar disinfectant
before coming in contact with the
vulva or vagina.
- Use condoms, practice safer
sex, know your sex partners, ask
sex partners to practice basic
hygiene (soap and water) of the
genitals. Use artificial
lubrication during the intercourse
if the amount naturally produced is
too small.
Be careful with objects inserted inside
the vagina. Improper insertion of
objects into any body opening can cause
damage: infection, cutting, piercing,
trauma, blood loss, etc.
Women who are unable to walk are more
likely to have infections. The problem
can be prevented according to
above-mentioned and following measures:
- Wash crotch and rectal areas
with neutral soap and large amount
of warm running water, every
morning and evening. The disabled
person can sit on a shower chair
with an open seat or on a toilet.
Use a shower head or water
container to wash more
directly.
- Use towel and blowdryer to
dry.
- Apply a little body powder on
the skin of the areas to absorb
perspiration.
- Avoid sitting on plastic or
synthetic materials. Wear loose
underpants and change twice or
three times a day.